HIS EFFORTS in helping police recover criminals’ vehicles has seen his business burned down in a reprisal arson attack – but Robin Bunyard has been rewarded for 25 years of hard work.
Robin, who owns BV Commercials, has won the 2018 Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Award for Excellence in Policing and Community Safety.
For more than 25 years he has provided the force with facilities, support and guidance in all matters vehicle-related, including recovering vehicles involved in police investigations and following road traffic collisions on behalf of the force.
He supplies Warwickshire Police with vehicle examination facilities at no cost, as well as giving written-off vehicles for free, which the force uses for officer training exercises.
He has been an ever-present fixture at open days and other events organised by Warwickshire Police, providing vehicle recovery displays and public demonstrations – all for the enjoyment of passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm.
His association with the police has come at some personal cost, including a devastating arson attack on his business premises 10 years ago.
Announcing the award winner, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “Robin has a welcoming demeanour which puts people at ease and this is recognised by officers and police staff who visit his premises to fulfil policing tasks, some of which can be unpleasant, such as the examination of vehicles after fatal road collisions.
“Robin is also a font of knowledge and advice for the public who visit his premises, guiding them in the ‘what next’ steps to take following a road traffic collision and on document production at police front counters.”
He said Robin’s public-spiritedness had resulted in threats and intimidation while conducting police vehicle removals.
“Ten years ago his business suffered a very traumatic arson attack as a reprisal for its involvement with the police, which required a complete relocation while the premises were rebuilt at substantial personal cost.
“Despite all of this, whatever has been asked of Robin and his business, he has worked tirelessly to provide.
“As he now starts partial retirement, it seems a fitting time to recognise Robin’s many achievements, so it gives me great pleasure to announce him as the 2018 Award for Excellence in Policing and Community Safety.”
The award was introduced last year to recognise teams or individuals from within policing or the wider community who go above and beyond what is expected in their day-to-day role to make a difference to Warwickshire.
